Berrettini beats Djokovic conqueror Karatsev to win Belgrade final

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Italy's Matteo Berrettini won his fourth career title yesterday defeating Aslan Karatsev, who had stunned Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, in the Belgrade clay court final. The 25-year-old Berrettini, the world number 10, triumphed 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (0) over the Russian who was seeking his second title of 2021 after winning in Dubai. Berrettini won previous titles at Gstaad in 2018 and Stuttgart and Budapest, both in 2019. On Saturday, the 28th-ranked Karatsev had knocked out world number one Djokovic in the semi-final, saving 23 of 28 break points. 'This title is for my family, this is the first time that they are actually here to see me win the trophy even though it's my fourth one, Berrettini said at the trophy ceremony. 'So this is a special one. We came a long way since I was a kid and they were bringing me everywhere, so I think they deserve to see this kind of tennis and this kind of level. I really love them. Berrettini was playing in just his second tournament since the Australian Open after an abdominal strain kept him off the courts. Last week, he bowed out in his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters. 'It's been a pleasure being here. I came here not with the best feelings. I came back from an injury, and it's never easy to come back and play this kind of level, this kind of tennis, said the champion. Djokovic concedes upgrades needed after Belgrade failure World number one Novak Djokovic admitted he needs to work on his game ahead of next month's French Open after he was knocked out by Aslan Karatsev in the Belgrade semi-finals on Saturday. The 28th-ranked Karatsev saved 23 of 28 break points to advance to his second final of the year following a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory, gaining a measure of revenge for his defeat by Djokovic in the last four of the Australian Open. It was a second surprise loss in as many weeks for Djokovic, who was also beaten in the last 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters by Britain's Dan Evans. Djokovic is registered for the Madrid Open but did not confirm whether he would play at the May 2-9 Masters-level event which will feature reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal. 'Roland Garros is the main goal but I need to play better if I'm thinking about doing something there. I have a lot of work ahead of me, said the 18-time Grand Slam champion. Djokovic commended the 'bravery of Karatsev and his 'excellent play in the important moments but revealed he felt 'dizzy in the third set. MENAFN25042021000067011011ID1101981603